Motorcades, leaflet distribution and other mobilisation efforts failed to pull the expected crowd at the People’s Democracy mass rally held at Woodford Square, Port of Spain, yesterday.

Though the coalition boasts more than 40 member organisations under its umbrella, the meagre turnout at the rally did not reflect the strength of the groups.

A mid-afternoon downpour did not dim the enthusiasm of the organisers, though.

And at least one union leader promised that the country would heed calls and shut down the country today and tomorrow.

A member of the People’s Democracy said the head count of the crowd was approximately 600, but the actual number looked closer to 300 people.

People crammed under tents erected at Woodford Square to avoid the rains.

Though most heeded the call to wear red, the smaller than expected number all fitted under three tents facing the historic gazebo, where the collection of trade unionists, social and community group representatives was on hand to rouse the gathering into action.

’This is not a political movement, but a social movement to mobilise and ensure action for the citizens,’ said David Abdulah, president of Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (FITUN), who also acted as chairman for the event.

Despite the scant turnout, Abdulah said as much as 15 per cent of the population wore red last Friday and Saturday as requested.

’That is as much as 150,000 people. The significance of that many people wearing red will be felt,’ Abdulah predicted.

He also remained confident that the same number of supporters will also heed the call for the two days of rest and reflection on the state of the country.

’Tomorrow (today) and Tuesday, no buses, no maxis, no taxis, no nothing. We will shut down the country,’ Abdulah said to much applause and cheers.

Many of the attendees vowed to stay at home for the two days of ’rest and relaxation’ as requested by the coalition.

’Since TTUTA (Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association) joined the group, I keeping my children home with me tomorrow,’ one mother, who attended the rally with her three young children, said.

’Some people taking it to mean just lime at home, but we really have to spend time thinking about our next step as a people,’ one man who did not wish to be identified said.

On the stage, Abdulah also took the opportunity to explain the ’reality of the situation’ to those factions opposing the People’s Democracy.

’The TTMA (Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association) and the ECA (Employers Consultative Association) attacked us, but we are the real patriots of this country,’ he said.

Abdulah said that letters inviting dialogue with the Prime Minister were dispatched more than one year ago and they were still awaiting a response.

He said the country was no longer prepared to engage the Government in talks.

’No more dialogue. Now is the time for action,’ he shouted.

Prakash Ramadhar, Deputy Political Leader of the Congress of the People (COP), who also wore red to show his support, said the COP was behind the People’s Democracy.

’They are fighting for a lot of the same causes as the COP and those issues are bigger than political parties,’ he said.

Ramadhar said the COP disseminated the rally information to its membership database and requested they lend their support to the five-day effort planned by the People’s Democracy.

’Unfortunately, I have to work so I cannot stay home Monday and Tuesday, but everyone can use their own judgement on the two-day shutdown,’ he said.